Florida Faces Widespread Blackouts as Hurricane Milton Hits: 2 Million Without Power
As Hurricane Milton strikes Florida, nearly 2 million residents are left without power, with Pinellas and Sarasota counties among the hardest hit. Duke Energy and Florida Power and Light have mobilized massive response teams, yet authorities warn of extended outages and urge citizens to prepare for a lengthy recovery process.
Florida’s Massive Power Outage After Hurricane Milton Landfall
As Hurricane Milton made its way across Florida’s west coast, the storm’s powerful winds and torrential rains left nearly 2 million residents in darkness. The blackout, one of the most significant in recent history, comes just two weeks after Hurricane Helene devastated the region. With widespread damage reported across multiple counties, local authorities and power companies are racing to restore electricity amidst challenging conditions.
Over 1.9 Million Affected by Widespread Power Outages
According to the latest update from the USA TODAY power outage tracker, more than 1.9 million Floridians were without power as of 11 p.m. Wednesday. The areas hardest hit include Pinellas County, which has reported over 380,000 homes and businesses without electricity. Similarly, Sarasota County has seen over 247,000 outages, while neighboring Hillsborough County is grappling with more than 272,000 power losses.
Manatee County has also been severely impacted, with over 172,000 residents left in the dark. Power companies warn that due to the extensive nature of the damage, restoring electricity to all affected areas may take several days, if not longer. Residents are urged to stay informed and prioritize their safety until full power restoration is complete.
Utility Companies Respond to the Crisis
As Hurricane Milton approached, power companies across the state began mobilizing response teams to prepare for the anticipated damage. Duke Energy Florida, which provides electricity to more than 8.4 million customers across multiple states, issued a public statement urging residents to prepare for extended power outages and a potentially lengthy restoration process.
“Despite extensive system improvements and rigorous tree trimming, the strong winds and flooding will cause power outages,” said Todd Fountain, Duke Energy Florida’s storm director. “Customers should expect significant damage and make immediate preparations for extended power outage durations.”
In response, Duke Energy has deployed approximately 10,000 responders, including line workers, tree professionals, and support personnel, to manage the high number of outages expected. Meanwhile, Florida Power and Light Company (FPL) has positioned a workforce of 14,500 people to restore power as quickly as possible once conditions are deemed safe.
Hurricane Milton’s Wide-Reaching Impact
Meteorologists have warned that Hurricane Milton’s expansive size will result in far-reaching impacts across Florida, even in areas not directly in its path. According to Rick Davis, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, the storm’s outer bands are expected to produce hurricane-force and tropical storm-force winds in several counties.
“Because of Milton’s size, it will have wide-reaching impacts across the state,” FPL stated in a recent update, emphasizing the need for all residents, not just those in coastal areas, to be vigilant. The sheer scale of the storm has heightened concerns over flooding, downed power lines, and property damage, creating a complex situation for utility companies and emergency responders alike.
Safety Precautions During and After the Storm
As recovery efforts are underway, residents are being reminded to exercise caution when dealing with storm-related hazards. Fallen power lines, flooded streets, and unstable structures pose serious risks. The following safety measures are recommended:
Avoid Floodwaters: Do not walk, swim, or drive through flooded areas, as there could be hidden dangers, including submerged power lines. Choose an alternate path if you encounter rising waters.
Turn Off Power if Necessary: If floodwaters are approaching your home or business, shut off power at the circuit breaker panel or fuse box.
Stay Clear of Downed Power Lines: Always assume that downed or sagging power lines are active and dangerous. Report them immediately to 911 and your local power company.
Remain in Your Vehicle: If a power line falls onto your car while you’re inside, stay put and call for help. Only exit if there is an immediate threat such as fire.
Inspect Electrical Systems: Do not touch circuit breakers or fuses while standing on wet surfaces. Have a professional inspect your system before attempting to turn power back on.
Preparing for Prolonged Power Outages
With the potential for extended outages, proper preparation is essential to weather the aftermath of Hurricane Milton safely. Residents should:
Charge Electronics and Power Banks: Ensure that all essential devices, such as phones and portable chargers, are fully charged before the power goes out.
Review Medical Needs: Consult your healthcare provider regarding any medical devices that require electricity and make contingency plans for refrigerated medications.
Stock Up on Essentials: Gather sufficient nonperishable food and water supplies. Keep refrigerators and freezers closed as much as possible to preserve food.
Unplug Appliances: Disconnect appliances and electronics, including internet modems and TV cables, to prevent damage from power surges when the electricity is restored.
Use Generators Safely: If using a generator, place it outside and far from windows to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Restoration Efforts and Future Outlook
As emergency crews work tirelessly to restore power, officials caution that it could take time before normalcy returns. The aftermath of Hurricane Milton has highlighted the vulnerability of the state’s power infrastructure and the need for continued investment in grid resilience.
In the coming weeks, power companies are expected to conduct thorough assessments to identify areas for improvement and implement strategies to strengthen Florida’s electrical grid. While system upgrades and tree-trimming initiatives have reduced the frequency of outages in recent years, Hurricane Milton’s force underscores the unpredictability of nature and the importance of ongoing preparedness.
With Floridians now bracing for a lengthy recovery, community support and patience will be crucial as the state works to recover from yet another powerful storm.
Also Read: Hurricane Milton Threatens Florida’s West Coast with Catastrophic Impact